Bevilport Paddling Trail

The Bevilport Paddling Trail begins at Bevilport Boat Ramp, an historic riverboat landing site and location of the first cattle drives from Texas, and offers over 9 miles of river trail down the Angelina and Neches Rivers.

Two access sites:

Put-in:
Bevilport Boat Ramp 30° 55' 26.28"N, 94° 10' 0.87"W

Take-out:
Walnut Boat Ramp 30° 51' 46.50"N, 94° 10' 58.14"W

Driving Directions to Access Sites:

Put-in: Bevilport Boat Ramp- 8.5 miles from the park
From Martin Dies, Jr. State Park, located on Hwy 190 between Woodville and Jasper, turn right (east) on Hwy 190 and travel 2.6 miles. Turn left onto FM 1747, and travel 4.2 miles to stop sign. Turn left onto FM 2799, and travel 1.7 miles to Bevilport Boat Ramp.

Following waterways through pristine, old growth river-bottom hardwood forests, you will experience a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles during all seasons of the year. The Bevilport Paddling Trail utilizes the flows of both rivers, with minimal paddling experience needed. See information on three additional paddling trails on the Martin Dies, Jr. State Park Paddling Trails page.

Surrounding land for all four Martin Dies, Jr. State Park paddling trails are owned and/or managed by governmental agencies, and you will not see cows grazing along the banks or any private residences during your paddling trip.

The waterways surrounding Martin Dies, Jr. State Park provide extensive habitats for a large variety of fish. The ever-constant flow of the Angelina & Neches Rivers into Steinhagen Reservoir provides the fisherman with bass, crappie, perch & catfish year-round. Anglers of all ages, using rod & reel and cane poles, catch large numbers of fish from our fishing piers and shoreline, as well as from kayaks and canoes. The slow-moving sloughs and backwaters provide deep holes, whereas the channels surrounding the park provide faster-moving waters, allowing anglers a variety of fishing opportunities.

The riparian corridors of the Angelina and Neches Rivers support a great diversity of plant and animal life. Birds spotted here include the Swallow-tailed Kite, Anhingas, Belted Kingfisher, and ibis. Bald cypress trees drip with Spanish moss, while the scaling bark of the River Birch tower along the shoreline. Common wildlife encountered includes deer, armadillos, and alligators.

Respect private property by not trespassing or littering and keeping noise levels down. This river and lake are classified as navigable, which permits public use of the streambed and, if necessary, the banks to portage any hazard. Any other use of private river banks without permission of the landowner can be considered trespassing. Under Texas Penal Code (§30.05), criminal trespass occurs when one enters property after receiving notice not to enter. Notice includes verbal notice, a fence, sign(s), purple paint on posts or trees, or the visible presence of crops grown for human consumption.

Martin Dies, Jr. State Park
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park is a 705-acre recreational area in Jasper and Tyler Counties between Woodville and Jasper on B. A. Steinhagen Reservoir (15,000 acres). Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, boating, canoeing, fishing, swimming, mountain biking and wildlife and bird watching. There are canoes, bicycles, volleyballs, and horseshoes for rent. There are naturalist activities on weekends and outdoor educational facilities. For information on the schedule for these activities, contact the park.

US Army Corps of Engineers Primitive Campsites
The Corps offers 10 primitive campsites along the Angelina River. These campsites are accessible only by boat and are free of charge. To register for a particular campsite, call the Corps Town Bluff office at 409-429-3491.

Heritage Village Museum
Heritage Village is a living museum of pioneer history, with a main street right out of the mid 1800's to early 1900's. Walk through an old-time blacksmith shop, check out a railroad depot, visit a livery stable or any of the log cabins. See demonstrations of the old ways.

Big Thicket National Preserve
The Big Thicket, with its diverse array of species of trees, shrubs & grasses, supports a wide array of habitats for a variety of species. Come by the Visitor's Center for an exciting slice of this impressive biological crossroads of North America. 409-951-6700

Jasper, Texas 409-384-5231
Canoe rentals, including life vests and paddles on-site in the park.

Austin Canoe and Kayak

Rent kayaks, canoes, and standup paddleboards by the day to take anywhere you want, when you want. Locations in Austin, Houston and the San Marcos/New Braunfels area. For more information, visit http://www.austinkayak.com/rentals